Steve Kuppinger, Jr.

Artist Statement 

Art is fundamental to being. It is the only thing that can define the human condition. It is the only thing that can contextualize all things. It is a basic human right.

I am dedicated to revealing the art making process so that people can better understand how something is created.  Understanding the vehicle that gets the artist to their concept gives the audience an initial perspective on the artist’s journey.  It can give those who feel alienated by fine art a comfortable way to begin analyzing the work that they feel confronts them.  I do most of my work in front of a live audience to meet this need.  Not only am I giving the audience a view into art making, but it creates a sense of ownership amongst the viewers as they share in the creation.  Process is a mystery whose secrets need to be shared. It is a place to find truth. It’s where the magic is.

In my portraits, hue is used more as tone.  The color is vibrant and usually arbitrary to the source, but I find that it pinpoints character and emotion in a way that realism does not.  Even if the face in the piece seems uninviting and prickly its pallet gives it charisma.  I am preoccupied with the plasticity of the hierarchical grid and the power of line.  I am also a printmaker who gets a vital sense of joy and satisfaction in creating relief blocks and celebrating the graphic quality that is the foundation of the carved line.

As both an artist and a teacher I am dedicated to the tenants that I chose for my classroom: Imagine, Inquire, Create, and Inspire.  I choose to teach young people because I want the chance to cement the sense of wonder and expression that all are born with, and I create my own work in front of an audience so that I can share both the work and its secrets with everyone.

Biography

Stephen F. Kuppinger, Jr. graduated from  Washington University with a BFA in printmaking and drawing and a minor in art history in 2005 and graduated from Bradley University with an MFA in printmaking in 2008.  Like many folks with an MFA, Kupp found gainful employment as a bartender for a few years after graduation while picking up commissions here and there and building his portfolio.  In 2014 he unexpectedly found himself teaching grade school students at Lafayette Preparatory Academy in St. Louis and he was promoted to LPA’s art teacher in November of 2015.  Kupp sees teaching art to young people as the greatest and most gratifying thing he has had the opportunity to do in his life and he believes he’s a better artist and person because of the experience.  Kupp's main focus is drawing and carving in front of a live audience.  He uses dry pastels and other assorted media to execute vivid dynamic drawings and plywood relief cuts onstage, usually accompanied by musicians.   Kupp lives and operates in St. Louis, where he was born and raised, and he is proud to be part of the arts community in his city.